HYLAND
into the unabashed richness of Armani
and Loro Piana boutiques—or trying
to realize life's grandest ambitions.
That's the real energy in this body-
worshipping 10021 zip code—
discovering what animates the
charming Parisian-born Emmanuel Di
Donna, rare book sleuth John Doyle,
fabled diamonds' legend Lawrence
Graff, long-time sidekick to Daniel
Boulud-turned-restaurant owner
Georgette Farkas, and of course,
Rumanian emigrant, and magnetic
boulevadier, Nello Balan.
"When I dreamt of having a restaurant
24 years ago, I was so amazed by
Madison Avenue, I knew this street
was my America, that I could somehow
create a special environment for
successful and beautiful people," says
Balan, reflecting on how he created an
admittedly-pricey, electric buzz-filled
oasis, epitomizing the larger-than-life,
over-the-top nature of New York City
itself.
At Nello, whether it's air kissing,
decadently indulging on buttery tagliolini
with truffle oil and shards of black
truffle ($100), or sitting next to Brad
Pitt, Michael Bloomberg, or Charlize
American
Dreams
abound
amid these
glittering
boutiques
and
salons...
